When a bro’s game plan is to impress a particular woman, the last thing he wants is to battle the obstacle of an uncontrollably itchy penis. Not only is a woman likely to interpret even a subtle scratching of the equipment as an indication of questionable penis health, she’s also likely to think that the guy has no self-control. And when an itchy penis is caused by scabies, she’s right on both counts. Scabies is a definite penis health issue, and the itching it causes is so intense that no dude can be expected to refrain from scratching it forever.

So what can a guy do about scabies? And how does he even know if he has them?

About scabies

Don’t think that a guy can determine he has scabies simply by pulling back the pubic hair and taking a good look at his manhood. That’s because the cause of scabies - a little mite called Sarcoptes scabiei - is too small to be seen with the naked eye.

These mites live on the skin, but when it comes time to lay their eggs, they burrow under the skin. That’s what generally causes the really itchy rash to appear.

So a guy can’t see scabies, but that uncontrollable itch is a good sign they are there. And the itchiness itself is not the only problem. If a guy gives in and scratches aggressively, he is very likely to go too far and cause an infection.

See a doctor

That’s why seeing a doctor if scabies are suspected is so important. And while this article is concentrating on scabies on the penis, remember that scabies can be found just about anywhere on the body. Since they are very easily spread by skin-to-skin contact, or from contact with infected sheets, towels, clothing, furniture, etc., getting rid of scabies as quickly as possible is essential.

The doctor will take a skin sample to determine if scabies is indeed the cause of the problem. Assuming that it is, he will prescribe a treatment plan that is likely to include some or all of these components:

- Bathing or showering in hot water on a daily basis.

- Using topical ointments to relieve the itch and attack the scabies and their eggs.

- Sometimes antihistamines and/or steroids may also be prescribed, especially if the itching is intense.

- Prescribing antibiotics if an infection has developed due to aggressive scratching.

In addition, the doctor should recommend that steps be taken to eliminate mites that might have left the body. This can be very time consuming, as it essentially involves cleaning the entire house. Steps that need to be taken typically include:

- Washing bedsheets, blankets, towels, clothing, etc. in very hot water and drying at very high heat for at least 10 minutes. (Items that cannot be washed should be vacuumed.)

- Mattresses, carpets and furniture should be vacuumed. After vacuuming, the bags should be disposed of promptly. The vacuum itself should then be washed with bleach and hot water.

If a man does have scabies, he also needs to inform his current sexual partners (and any past partners if he believes they may have been exposed to scabies by him).

Scabies can cause an enormously itchy penis situation. In addition to the above steps, guys should regularly use a first rate penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) . Often penis skin moisturization can help alleviate some itchiness in the area. Select a crème that contains both a high-end emollient (such as Shea butter) and a natural hydrating agent (such as vitamin E) for best results. It also helps if the crème contains a powerful antioxidant, such as alpha lipoic acid. This can help keep the skin healthy and better prepared to fight itching by keeping free radicals at bay.